Using trays in the preschool classroom

In some of our classes, the teachers like to use trays to help with classroom management or organization…

Trays can provide children with their own work space…

Trays can help contain lots of pieces…

Trays can be set up to invite different kinds of play, exploration, or creativity…

Often times, teachers will use a tray system to give guidance or set limits when the need seems to be present…

Trays can be useful for many reasons but I don’t recommend placing everything on a tray. Sometimes, children need a large canvas to work with or may wish to work closer together. I think it just depends on the children and what works best for that particular activity.

But I do recommend trying trays for some of the reasons listed above. You may have other ideas for trays too…

Great idea Scott – it would present more opportunities to use the floor for writing as well – I am going to share your thoughts with our teachers so we can do more creative and interesting floor time activities!

I use trays with magnets in the science center. It keeps all the little pieces contained. It’s also fun to prop the trays up on unit blocks so the kids can move magnets around under the trays to make items in the tray move around.

Not only do we use the trays for defining workspace, organization, etc. we also put the back of the tray to good use, also.
Flip your tray over, glue on coins, leaves or anything else that will make crayon rubbings, and then cover the back with a layer of Contact paper.
Now both sides of the tray can really serve a useful purpose!

Thanks for visiting my blog last night and leaving a very nice comment. As for trays, I’ve always presented on trays for the past 20 years. It seems that when I choose a tray to do during carpet time with my toddlers, they have such a respect for what is on the tray and any materials that I am sharing with them. Even my older children want their trays but to sit side by side with their friends. It does keep all the parts contained, gives them their “own” space and a sense of security within their area. I have been making my own trays with material and towels to make them more sensory and personalized and I have had the best experiences sharing these with the children. They choose their own trays off of the shelves and is easier for them to transport their choices. I really like all your topics on the classroom environment and keeping it organized. I can’t wait to see what you offer on the next topic. Thanks for sharing. Lisa:)

That’s a great post! I pick up trays at our Dollar Store. We use ours for everything too, any project really. Keeps it nicely contained. Right now on my daughter’s school desk, she has stickers and a sticker book on her yellow tray!

I’ve been a big fan of trays in my kindergarten room for years. I usually use cookie trays as they are cheap and magnets stick to them. I love your spiffy red trays, however, and they would be quieter than my metal cookie sheets. Where did you find them?

Thank you for all you do for young children!

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